This is a zine dedicated to black metal written by a follower of the left hand path, This zine has been around in a different format for a while and I have decided to make an edition for www.blogger.com, for more information email occultblackmetalzine@yahoo.com, new albums as well as classic albums will be reviewed on here as long as their good quality black metal,

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Veer are a band from Hungary that plays a very grim, raw and primitive form of black metal and this is a review of their 2012 album "The Measure Of Waste" which was released by Neverheard Distro.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with only a small amount of fast playing or blast beats, while the bass playing h as a very strong and powerful sound with heavy riffing that dominates throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding bring back the sound of the early 2000's and there a re no guitar solos or leads present on t his recording.

Vocals are mostly grim sounding black metal screams with some angry shouts being utilized at times as well as some spoken word parts being used on the outro, while the lyrics cover hateful and violent themes with most of the songs being in English but one that is in Hungarian, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound while you can still hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion Veer are a very great sounding hateful, grim, raw and primitive black metal band and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "We've Lost In Light" "All The Things Will End" "Praise Be To The Roach" and "The Spring Is The Last". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Black Blood Stigmata are a band from Ohio that plays a very dark form of black metal with some death metal influences and this is a review of their self released 2012 CD demo.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow to mid paced riffs that mix some dark and occult sounding black metal with the darkest death metal influences, while the lead guitars are very early 90's sounding black/death metal guitar solos and leads, as for the acoustic guitars when t hey are utilized they use finger picking and full chords to enhance the darkness that is coming out of the music.

Vocals range from high pitched black metal screams to deep death metal growls, while the lyrics cover occultism and darkness, as for the production it h as a very dark, raw and primitive sound in the early 90's tradition with some of the songs being long and epic in length.

In my opinion Black Blood Stigmata are a very great and dark sounding old school black metal band with a darkened death metal edge and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this demo. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Illuminate A New Sky" and "Resurrected By Black Spells". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Witchcraft are a band from Hungary that plays a very dark, raw and primitive form of black metal and this is a review of their 2012 album "Hegyek Felettem" which was released by Nevermind Distribution.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being thrown into the music at times, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound to them.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very dark, raw and primitive sounding with some thrash influences being thrown into the riffing at times as well as some dark sounding melodies, while the lead guitars are vey raw and primitive sounding black metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are all high pitched and grim sounding black metal screams, while the lyrics cover Hungarian and cover Anti Christian and Dark themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Witchcraft are a very great sounding dark, raw and primitive black metal band and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Megattam a Vert" "Hegyek Felettem" and "Voros Kod". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

The band was formed in 2007, recorded our first demo 2008 and in 2009 our mcd “Synästhesie” was recorded and released, which received a very good response with ciritcs and fans alike. With the background of these records we played some gigs with (among others) Endstille, Wolves In The Throneroom, Todtgelichter, Anganthyr and our little tour with Totalselfhatred and Hypothermia. Last year we finished writing of new songs, this commenced in the recording of our self-titled album.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

Simply, modern European black metal

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

Mostly life itself . Since last year I startet to read and write a lot about the sumerer and other extincted civilizations in which I found another interresting topic.

4. I know that the band name came for a quote from the Roman philosopher Cicero, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in Cicero and also if you have any interests in other philosophers?

Truly – there is no interest in philosophers, we did chose our name because it says everything about our attitude to music in general, there are no borders, we do what we want.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

Retrospectively I would say that our tour with Totalselfhatred and the gig with Wolves In The Throneroom turned out to be our personal highlights. The most important thing is the atmosphere during a concert.

We had a defining moment on a festival that we played in 2008, it was 4 am, there was a little pond right before the stage and as we entered, the sun was rising in front of us – no need for motivation for a special gig, the atmosphere was impressive and enthralling.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

Yes, we are still working on a little tour through germany/europe for next year and some single gigs !

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black and death metal?

Wherever we went till today, the people compliment us for the great shows and really successful records/songs, of course we hope that our first full-length can score the same way and gain the same popularity. But you never know what will happen...

8. Are there any other musical projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?

T:R and myself are also playing in another band, where he plays guitar and I bass.

It is metal and a good variation to our main band, in S:L:I:A I`m writing the music and in the other band T:R is writing the music. D:B only plays in our band because its a fulltime job for him.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Hard to say, i am still working on new material and at times it is a mixture of classical stuff and blackmetal.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Samael and immortal get me to play guitar, it was this feeling, so cold and impressive, that motivated me picking up an instrument. When I startet doing vocals I often heard that its sound like Abbath, this pushed me to find my own style – we are on the right way, but like its often called: The journey is your reward.

Nowadays we are still listening the same music then 10 years ago, the only matter is that it is good.

11. Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in your music?

No, we are anti-religious, that contains every religion, especially christianity.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

To name only two: science and martial arts , but the greatest part in my life belongs to metal.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Shadows In The Crypt are a band from Pennsylvania that has been recently been featured in this zine with a musical style that mixes old school, raw and primitive melodic occult black metal with thrash influences and this is a review of their 2012 album (Fanatical)Ready To Die" which was released by STIC Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being used at times, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast old school style melodic black metal riffs that are very dark, raw and primitive sounding along with a good amount of thrash influences being thrown into the riffing as well as a great amount of atmospheric elements, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding black metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are mostly grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams along with a brief use of clean singing along with some deep death metal growls, while the lyrics cover Occultism and Darkness, as for the production it has a very dark, heavy, raw and primitive sound with the music having more of an atmospheric European sound than an American one.

In my opinion this is another great recording from Shadows In The Crypt and if you are a fan of this band, you should check out this ep. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Great Apocayliptic Storm" and "The Abyss Open Wide". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Riti Occulti are a band from Italy that plays a mixture of aatmospheric occult black metal and stoner/doom metal and this is a review of their self titled 2012 album which was released by Epirodome Records.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with not much in the way of fast playing or blast beats, while the synths bring a very atmospheric sound to the music while adding in sound effects that bring a psychedelic feeling to the music as well as a brief use of ethnic sounding instruments being utilized on a couple of songs , as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful sound with heavy riffing that brings a 70's stoner rock/metal feeling to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow to mid paced atmospheric black metal riffs that combine stoner/doom metal influences in the riffing while style mostly utilizing a dark occult atmosphere to the music and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording, as for the acoustic guitars wehn they are utilized they use finger picking and full chords to bring a ritualistic and ethnic sound to the music.

Vocals are mostly high pitched and grim sounding black metal screams with some spoken word elements, and clean singing female vocals being utilized at times, while the lyrics cover Occultism, Darkness, abd Depression themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it while you can still hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording with some of the songs being long and epic in length.

In my opinion Riti Occulti are a very great sounding hybrid of atmospheric occult black metal and stoner/doom metal and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "It's All Gey" "I am Nobody" and "Desert Of Soul". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Stagnant Waters are a band with members from both Norway and France with a musical style that mixes avant garde and experimental music with raw and primitive sounding black metal and this is a review of their self titled 2012 album which was released by Adversam.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown into the music, while the sound effects bring in experimental, noise, psychedelic, progressive, and avant garde music elements to the music as well as a brief use of saxophones, pianos and synths, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast raw and primitive sounding black metal riiffs that combine the sounds of the Norwegian and French scene's together as well as some influences from industrial, experimental and avant garde music being thrown into the riffing and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals range from high pitched and grim sounding black metal screams mixed in with some samples, spoken word parts and distorted industrial style vocals in addition there is a brief use of clean singing , while the lyrics cover Alchemy, Satanism Darkness and Suicidal themes, as for the production it has a very dark, heavy, raw and primitive sound to it with some of the songs being long and epic in length,.

In my opinion Stagnant Watere are a very great sounding raw and primitive avant garde black metal band and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Algae" "Of Salt And Water" and "Bandaged In Suicidal Notes". RECOMMENDED BUY,

De Magia Veterum are a 1 man band that has been featured before in this zine with a musical style that I would describe as being atmospheric and experimental occult black metal and this is a review of their 2012 album "The Deification" which was released by Transcendental Creations.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being utilized at times, while the synths bring a very atmospheric sound to the music with elements of classical music being thrown into the music as well as some experimental and avant garde sound to the music which gives the music a more occult feeling, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding at times as well as some dark sounding distorted parts being thrown into the riffing with some of the more brutal elements being influenced by grindcore while the slower elements utilize a good amount of funeral doom influences and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some deeper growls and spoken word parts being thrown into the music at times, while the lyrics cover Occultism, Metaphysical and Left Hand Path topics, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion this is another great recording from De Magia Veterum and if you are a fan of this band, you should enjoy this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Thoens" "Evoked In Poison" and "Purity". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Work on Blutvial tends to be sporadic, we can go for many months without working on anything. Things have been pretty quiet for most of this year. I wrote some songs over the last year which are going to be recorded in a live format at some point. I don't mean live as in at a gig, but we will be getting together and playing the songs the first time through, at which point all instruments will be recorded simultaneously. The idea is to inject a more spontaneous element. The songs were all written very spontaneously. I went from first riff to finished demo, with lyrics and vocals, in about 2 hours for each song. They were written months apart, and in those months I didn't even pick up a guitar or write any lyrics. In order to keep that fresh feeling, we are going to record in the way I described, to capture the rawness of our individual performances. The songs may well change as well, based on whether or not we play them 'right' and how we react to that. We don't have a date to record the songs just yet, it's going to be at some point in the next few months. The artwork is pretty much complete as well, or at least once we know in which format we're going to release it, the date and other such things, then I can finish it off. Other than that, we are reworking a couple of older songs that are taking an interesting form, but there aren't any plans for release yet. Recently I've been working on a Blutvial website, which should be live very soon.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

Aesthetically, Curses Thorns Blood is fuller than previous releases. Musically, it's difficult to say because I don't really think too much about it. When I write songs I just write them without thinking about what I've done before. There are some old Reign of Erebus songs on there (songs that didn't get released or in certain cases didn't get finished) as well as songs from much more recently, so there is quite some time differential in the composition of the album - if you think of time in linear terms. Equally, when Aort sends me a song he's written I don't compare it to anything else we've done, I usually trust his intuition and don't change much. Even though I won't have heard them with vocals at that stage, I trust that his songs will work even better with vocals. I have sometimes recorded the vocals without any planning, or I copied what I did on my vocal demos, which were spontaneous. Curses Thorns Blood, as I said, has both old and new material, but the recording process, whilst being distinctly in the style of our previous releases, is definitely stronger than we've managed before. I made some deliberate changes to the vocal style to our earlier recordings. The 'Orgone experience' was certainly beneficial and allows the songs to sound different to our others.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

This album is based on a theme of civilisation's destruction for the benefit of the wild earth. At The Stones We Gather follows a spiritual force as the driver for civilisation's downfall, which Wethered and Broken-Mouthed reflects on after the process is about complete; The Immutable Hammer deals with the materialistic destruction of techno-industrial systems; Conspiracy of Optimism addresses the way humanity willingly ushered its own enslavement; and other such ideas. It can all be found in the lyrics, with perhaps a little thought and consideration into the macro- and micro-effects of civilisation, how it came to be, and what we could be without it. There's a strong theme of returning humanity to being part of ecosystems rather than trying to live apart from them.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

There was little inspiration behind it, really. 'In the beginning', Aort told me he wanted to do this old school project and release a couple of songs on 7", and asked if I wanted to play guitar and perform vocals, I just had to write the lyrics and play the guitar parts in my own way if I wanted to. The whole idea was to release this early-90s style internal pressure that Aort was feeling, and he knew I had as well which is why he asked me, so the nameBlutvial was just intended to express that, to not be thought about too much or deliberated over, because then the idea would be lost. We always take that same approach when we write and record.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

Blutvial does not play live.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

No.

7. The new album came out on Mordgrimm, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?

Aort was involved in contact with Mordgrimm, so I can't say much on that. There seem to be more reviews and more interest in the album due to the re-release, so that's probably beneficial in getting the music around. Although, I'm not really that interested in what happens after we've recorded and completed the artwork. It's a process which I see as complete once the creation is published. I was happy with the Haintic release we had, so long as Haintic sold enough to cover printing expenses, that's all that really mattered. The Mordgrimm re-release seems to be taking a long time, which is disappointing, but eventually it will get the music out further. I think I have mixed views on that, but this isn't a solo project so it's easier to reconcile those, and because Mordgrimm is still a smaller label that works better with the idea of Blutvial.

8. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?

I'm not sure what's going on with Code, I think they're working on another album. I'm working with Andras (Code, ex-Reign of Erebus) on Amhghar, which has some excellent material and we're going to be recording a few songs quite soon I think. Amhghar is entirely Andras' work, he writes everything including lyrics, I just give some input and record the vocals, as well as having done some mixing on previous recordings.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Blutvial will continue to release music with the same attitude we have done so far. Although, there may be the odd left-field release here or there. We'll see.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

The only musical influence on Blutvial is black metal from the early 90s and some late 80s.

Personally, I'm listening to Biosphere right now. It's early and there's a crisp view over the forest from the window, so it's appropriate. Other things I've been listening to recently include Hammemit and Emit; Taake Doedskvad and Noregs Vaapen; Dead Can Dance Spleen and Ideal and The Serpent's Egg; Ildjarn, everything, but particularly Hardangervidda (both parts), Det Frysende Nordariket and Ildjarn-Nidhogg;Arcana Canta De Procella; Darkthrone Total Death and Goatlord; and Wardruna Gap Var Ginnunga. I listen to things which are completely unrelated to any of these feelings as well. As we move into colder months I'll be listening to things like Carpathian Forest Journey Through the Cold Moors of Svarttjern; Sibelius Symphony No. 4,Tapiola, Finlandia; Burzum Filosofem; Darkthrone Panzerfaust (particularly Snø og Granskog); more Ildjarn and Taake; and whatever else I can dig out to reflect the coldness, but it's getting more difficult to find things that can still do this.

11. Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in your music?

Satanism is a very easy thing to attach oneself to. Too easy. The term is so abstract and loose, it can be twisted to any simple meaning, and some people like to look like 'bad guys' even if there's nothing of substance to back it up. There are people who think they're 'Satanists' because they get drunk and listen to black metal, and 'fight the war against christianity'. Hedonism does not make one a 'Satanist'. Others think that if they take a position of vigorous opposition to religious doctrine and like the label, they must be 'Satanists' as well. These positions aren't 'Satanic', they just aren't of the Abrahamic religions. While it might be argued that any form of lifestyle or system of values not of the Abrahamic religionsis 'Satanic', I don't really think that's valid, it's too vague, too easy for a term with such fervent connotations. Consequently, because each person has a different interpretation of the term 'Satanic', and some of those vary a lot, the term loses meaning. Language is a tool to communicate an idea from one person's internal world to another's. From a simple roar to the subtle implications of poetry, this is language's purpose, and calling yourself something that doesn't relate to what others understand that term to mean is mere contrived conceit. All that said, the ONA is (or was) an interesting group that didn't just seem to revel in playing dress-up. Their emphasis on pushing one's limits, of physical perseverance, of severance from civilisation.

Because of all this, it isn't a term I apply to myself or to Blutvial. I don't feel the need to identify with other groups like that, there's no instinct to say "I'm one of these people" or "I'm a *ist" (insert whatever movement one wants to be associated with). Life, and subjective experience, is far too complex for that. In fact, I actively avoid using these terms. Who you are is defined not by what you say or identify with, what clothes you wear (to make yourself 'individual') or any other bullshit, but what you actively do. That which you actively do according to a blend of intelligently calculated values and evolutionary instinct, and how you manifest these in both your short- and long-term experiences of existence, is what brings you closer to any kind of universal truth. Conversely, there are some people, probably quite a few, who fall into this category as well, and surely some from the black metal 'scene'. In most cases, only they will know who they are as judging that truth is an internal process.

Occultism is more abstract again, but the individual's interactions in this sphere are such that it's less contentious for me. It doesn't "play any role in [our] music" in the sense that we don't perform ceremonies or anything like that, or try to inject the essence of any occultist theory, but sometimes themes occur in lyrics or artwork presentation. That said, the process of creating music, right from conception to publishing, is something akin to a rite, as I was alluding to in question 7. This is something I have wanted to explore further, and the idea I mentioned at the beginning, of simultaneous recording a song that we've never rehearsed before, based on a demo from months previous, is one way of exploring that. Many years ago I heard a theory that Stonehenge may have been used as a musical venue, or that music could have played a key role in its purpose, because the acoustic response inside the circle is quite special. That idea stuck and I've often thought about what that may have been like, if it were the case, and not necessarily just at Stonehenge but at any of the stone circles and megaliths in Britain or Europe, and about how that could be incorporated into my musical processes. This is how we will end up recording in the manner I mentioned earlier. In the future we may expand on it further, but it's not just my decision.

Then, as we're a band, you have to consider the nature of sound. Vibrations. Physicists put a lot of emphasis on vibration in our perceptions of the universe. We still don't understand existence at an atomic level, we don't understand time, and we don't know where matter (or dark matter) comes from, what feeds into the essence of everything. But vibrations, on which level sound - and therefore music - exists, do have an impact on things, for instance, electrical impulses. The brain is a series of electrical impulses and these can be influenced by the vibrations that are music - it can change our mood. That's no small feat. The possibility of something that doesn't really exist in a physical form to influence the way a person experiences existence. I mean, you can't touch music, or see it, but it can give you chills down the spine, make you smile, or make you generate adrenaline, and the volume (the strength of the vibrations) can alter its effect. So what else could music do, in the right circumstances? Some governments and politicians (including those of the armchair variety) have long considered music a force that could upset their status quo. We don't know the extent of how far it can be taken, but the subjective experience of existence can be experimented with.

This is all too wishy-washy to say that Blutvial is occultist, and besides, even if we were, I probably wouldn't want to put a label like that on the band. I have a serious reverence for nature, for natural processes and try to reflect that in the lyrics and it can be easily seen in our song-titles. Working with this in my daily life and reflecting it in my art is as close as I get to spirituality.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

I work outdoors, so I spend a lot of my time trying to mitigate the destructive effects of people on the natural environment, or protecting nature from them, trying to preserve habitats that would otherwise be decimated in the human interest. I am also studying so spend a lot of time reading scientific papers and researching assignments and things. Outside that, I like to spend time hiking and backpacking, either in the woods where I live if I need to get out quick or going to other places, but usually I head away from the main trails where everybody else is. I also read novels and the poetry of R.S. Thomas is suitably bleak for when I need that.

Monday, October 8, 2012

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

First off, I'd like to thank you for the interview. Weverin plays a form of Blackened Death Metal. We have been in existence for over nine years, releasing numerous Lps and Eps. We are kult minus the shit production, not that shit production is bad as our previous efforts had horrible production values. But, with " The Skeletons of Fallen Angels", I (Harp, guitarist for the band) decided it was time to record at a proper studio, which was Backrooms studio located in New Jersey.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

Black metal is the heart and soul of our music with a hint of Death Metal. We've been described in the past as early Mayhem or Tormentor with a modern production value and I can't argue with that.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

All of our lyrics are written exclusively by our vocalist Buer and are based on Satanic themes.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

To be honest with you, Buer came up with the name Weverin. All I know is that the name has something to do with Dungeons and Dragons, which is gay but, I thought the name was cool so we went with that.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

We've only played one show in all the years we've played together. It was last November in Los Angeles and it went over well.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

Hopefully, I would jump at that chance. The problem with us touring is getting together to do it. I live in New York, Buer lives in Florida and Matt lives in California. So, getting together to record is big enough of a challenge.

7. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label and if so what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for your music and also what happened with your old label War Flaaggelton Records?

War Flagellation was a one record deal with our previous release "Serpents Light". It was a cassette release on their end. We are currently unsigned and would entertain offers from anyone who would be interested in releasing our music. Im interested in any label that would help Weverin expand its audience without interferring in our creative process and overall vision, which is spreading the Satanic gospel.

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your new album by fans of black and death metal?

As far as feedback from fans; we dwell in the ultra underground with very little press or acknowledgement. We have no press kits, management, tour management or, money. So like all bands in our situation we have to work to get our stuff reviewed and seen by the public. All of the reviews have been positive and constructive for "Skeletons Of Fallen Angels" which is nice.

As for me, I'm writing the songs at a snails pace for the new weverin Ep. After Matt gets done with his Valdur stuff and I start making more money we will get together and bang out the music sometime hopefully by the end of this year or early next year.

10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Any direction that keeps hipster fags ears away from our music.

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

King Diamond is my all time favorite fucking band by far. His first five releases and fuck, even No Presents for Christmas rules.

Death was also a big influence. Spiritual Healing and Symbolic are some of the best death metal ever produced.

Finally, I've always enjoyed Overkill, Under the Influence is a Thrash classic.

Nowdays I listen to mostly Black Metal but I get my Grindcore,Thrash,Death fixes in as well.

Check out; Orlog, Hell United, Masachist, Adorior,Der Weg Einer Freiheit, there's just too many to put on here but these bands are all killer.

12. How would you describe your views on Satanism and Occultism?

Satanism is to me, absolute freedom. An uncompromisable path that an individual seeks out to live his or her life, the way he or she feels fit.Conformity is the enemy of true Satanism.Occultism is a tool used to reach the Satan that lies within oneself.

13. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Politics.

14. Any final words and thoughts before we wrap up this interview? Support the true U.S.B.M. scene and Fuck the Black Metal Hipster FUCKS that have infected it.

Friday, October 5, 2012

Bael are a band from France that plays a very raw and primitive form of satanic anti christian black metal and this is a review of their 2003 ep "Bleeding For Him" which was released by Die Unaussprechlichen Kulten Editions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown into the music, while the bass playing h as a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very brutal, heavy, raw and primitive sounding in the traditional French tradition and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are all grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams with some depressive cries being thrown into the music at times, while the lyrics are written in a mixture of French and English and cover dark, satanic and anti christian themes, as for the production it has a very heavy, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Bael are a very great sounding heavy, raw and primitive satanic, anti christian black metal band and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should c heck out this ep. RECOMMENDED TRACK "Raping The Gift From Heaven". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Enoid are a 1 man band from Switzerland that plays a very raw and primitive form of anti human black metal this is a review of their 2009 album "Ataraxiis" which was released by BlackMetal.com.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a great amount of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown into the music at times, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding with some death metal influences and dark sounding melodies being thrown into the riffing and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly high pitched and grim sounding black metal screams with a brief use of spoken word samples and whispers, while the lyrics cover dark, hateful, depressing and anti human themes with a great amount of misanthropy being thrown into the song writing, as for the production it has a very heavy, dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Enoid are a very great sounding raw and primitive anti human black metal band and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "The Darkening Of My Soul" "Humanicide" "Slashes" and "Hopelessness Overwhelms Me". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Hrizg are a 1 man band from Spain that plays a very grim and forest orientated form of raw and primitive sounding black metal and this is a review of their 2006 album "Oaken Path Of Grief" which was released by Wraith Productions.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with some blast beats being utilized at times, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound with some primitive black metal riffing, as for the synths when they are utilized they bring a very dark ambient and epic sound to the music adding in influences from other Tolkien orientated bands adding in some folk instruments on the last song.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very dark, raw and primitive sounding with some atmospheric elements and dark sounding melodies being thrown into the riffing, while the lead guitars when they are utilized briefly are very depressive and melodic sounding black metal guitar leads that dont really touch on the area of solos, as for the classical guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking and full chords to add a dimension of being surrounded by a dark forest.

Vocals are mostly ritualistic, grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams with a brief use of rough clean signing being used for a few seconds on one song, while the lyrics cover Misanthropy, Metaphysical, Darkness, Nature and Tolkien themes, as for t he production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it while you can still hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording in addition there are a couple of songs that are long and epic in length.

In my opinion Hrizg are a very great sounding grim, raw and primitive Tolkien inspired black metal band and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Sward Of Thendios" Sorrow" "Desecration Of The Dio Dynasty" and "Army Of Ancient Blasphemies". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Endless Blizzard are a band from Los Angeles, California that plays a very raw and primitive form of black metal with ambient overtones and this is a review of their 2008 album "Remember Your Death" which was released by BlackMetal.com.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown into the music at times, while the synths bring a very dark ambient, avant garde and occult sound to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very strong and powerful tone with primitive black metal riffing that dominates throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very raw and primitive sounding along with a great amount of dark sounding melodies being thrown into the riffing as well as some thrash influences in addition there is a brief use of soft and clean playing being utilized on the last song, while the lead guitars are very chaotic sounding black/death metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals a re all grim sounding and high pitched black metal screams, while t he lyrics cover Darkness, Occultism and Luciferian themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound while you can still hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording and a couple of the songs are long and epic in length.

In my opinion Endless Blizzard are a very great sounding raw and primitive black metal band with melodic and ambient elements and if you are a f an of this musical genre, you should c heck out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Telepathic Rites" "Cultivated By Darkness" "Deathless Conqueror" and "Glorious Opiate Dream". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Wraith where a duo from Atlanta, Georgia that played a very dark, raw and primitive form of depressive black metal and this is a review of their 2003 album "Shadows" which was released by Graveless Slumber Records.

Drums range from slow to mid paced drumming with only a small amount of fast playing and not much in the way of blast beats, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars, as for the synths which are only utilized briefly they bring a very dark ambient, avant garde occult sound to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to some fast depressive black metal riffs that are very dark, raw and primitive sounding with some doom metal and dark ambient influences being thrown into the riffing as well as a brief use of soft and clean playing that utilize some full chords at times and there are no guitar solos and leads present on this recording.

Vocals are mostly grim and evil sounding black metal screams and cries with some whispers and Gregorian chanting, while the lyrics cover Darkness, Occultism and Anti Christian themes, as for the production it has a very dark raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Wraith where a very great sounding depressive black metal band and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should c heck out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Orlock" "Realm Of The Mad God" and "The Fog". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Vinland Anti Christian Kommando are a band from Quebec, Canada that plays a very raw and primitive form of hateful, misanthropic black metal and this is a review of their 2007 album "L Ombre De La Solitude" which was released by Rusty Axe Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast b eats being thrown into the music at times, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very dark, raw and primitive sounding with alot of misanthropy, depression and hatred being thrown into the riffing and there are no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals mostly all high pitched black metal s creams that capture a very hateful and depressing feeling at times as well as some deeper vocals, while the lyrics are written in a mixture of French and English and cover darkness, hatred, misanthropic, depression, suicidal and anti christian themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Vinland Anti Christian Kommando are a very great sounding raw and primitive misanthropic, anti christian black metal band and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this recording, RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Au Seuil De La Mort" "Black Plague" "L ' Ombre De La Solitude" and "Tormentor". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Weverin are a band from New York that plays a very dark, raw and primitive form of evil black metal with a death metal edge and this is a review of their self released 2011 album "The Skeletons Of Fallen Angels"..

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown into the music at times, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that utilize some raw and primitive elements while adding a good amount of dark sounding melodies, technical parts and death metal influences in the riffing creating a hybrid between both styles while also mixing in more modern day metal and old school thrash elements along with a brief use of clean playing, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding black metal guitar leads that dont really go much in the solo area.

Vocals range from high pitched and grim sounding black metal screams, deep death metal growls, whispers, spoken word parts and a brief use of clean singing, while the lyrics cover traditional Satanism, Dark and Violent themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it.

In my opinion Weverin are a very great sounding black/death metal band that is not a carbon copy of other bands playing this style and if you are a fan of this musical style, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "As Spiders Drink From My Lips" "Skeletons Of Fallen Angels" and "Praise Murder". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Von are a band from San Francisco that h as been featured before in this zine that plays a very raw and primitive form of black metal with a death metal edge and are also one of their first U.S.B.M bands as well as a huge influence on later goat and war metal bands and this is a review of their 2012 album "Satanic Blood" which was released by Von Records and is mostly recorded versions of their old songs from their 90's demo's.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats b eing thrown into the music, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful tone with primitive black metal riffing that dominates throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast black metal riffs that are very dark, raw and primitive sounding with a sound that is more ancient then the early Norwegian wave but more evil sounding with some death metal influences being thrown into the riffing, while the lead guitars are very raw and primitive sounding black/death metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals range from deep guttural black/death metal growls to high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics cover Satanism and Anti Christian themes, as for the production it has a very dark, raw and primitive sound to it while you can s till hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

I my opinion this is another great recording from Von which takes all of their classic songs and updates them for the modern day and if you are a fan of this band, you should enjoy this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Jesus Stain" "Dissection InHuman" "satanic Blood" and "Satan". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

God Seed are a band from Norway that consists of ex Gorgoroth members with a musical style that combines their traditional Norwegian black metal sound while adding in organs and electronic music elements and this is a review of their 2012 album "I Begin" which was released by Indie Records.

Drums range from slow, mid paced to fast drumming with a good amount of brutal sounding blast beats being thrown into the music at times, while the keyboards bring an organic, psychedelic and experimental sound to the music, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound to them.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, mid paced to fast modern day Norwegian style black metal riffs that are very dark, heavy and brutal sounding while retaining some raw and primitive elements as well as some melody being thrown into the riffing at times and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.

Vocals a re mostly grim sounding black metal screams with some clean singing and spoken word parts, while the lyrics cover dark and philosophical themes, as for the production it has a very strong, powerful, heavy and professional sound where you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.

In my opinion God Seed are a very great sounding Norwegian black metal band with organic and electronic music elements and if you are a fan of this musical genre, you should check out this recording. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "This From The Past" "Hinstu Daga" "Lit" and "Bloodline". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

1.
Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of
you before?

The band was
formed in 2007, recorded our first demo 2008 and in 2009 our mcd “Synästhesie”
was recorded and released, which received a very good response with ciritcs and
fans alike. With the background of these records we played some gigs with (among others)
Endstille, Wolves In The Throneroom, Todtgelichter, Anganthyr and our little tour
with Totalselfhatred and Hypothermia. Last year we finished writing of new
songs, this commenced in the recording of our self-titled album.

2.
How would you describe your musical sound?

Simply,
modern European black metal

3.
What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the
music?

Mostly
life itself . Since last year I startet
to read and write a lot about the sumerer and other extincted
civilizations in which I found another interresting topic.

4.
I know that the band name came for a quote from the Roman philosopher Cicero,
can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in Cicero and also if you
have any interests in other philosophers?

Truly –
there is no interest in philosophers, we
did chose our name because it says everything about our attitude to
music in general, there are no borders, we
do what we want.

5.
What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would
you describe your stage performance?

Retrospectively
I would say that our tour with Totalselfhatred and the gig with Wolves In The
Throneroom turned out to be our personal highlights. The most important thing
is the atmosphere during a concert.

We had a
defining moment on a festival that we played in 2008, it was 4 am, there was a
little pond right before the stage and as we
entered, the sun was rising in
front of us – no need for motivation for a special gig, the atmosphere was impressive and enthralling.

6.
Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

Yes, we are
still working on a little tour through germany/europe for next year and some
single gigs !

7.
On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black
and death metal?

Wherever we
went till today, the people compliment us for the great shows and
really successful records/songs, of course we hope that our first full-length can score the
same way and gain the same popularity. But you
never know what will happen...

8.
Are there any other musical projects besides this band or is this a full time
line up?

T:R and
myself are also playing in another band, where he plays guitar and I bass.

It is metal
and a good variation to our main band, in S:L:I:A I`m writing the music and in the other band
T:R is writing the music. D:B only plays in our band because its a fulltime job
for him.

9.
What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Hard to say,
i am still working on new material and at times it is a mixture of classical
stuff and blackmetal.

10.
What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also
what are you listening to nowadays?

Samael and
immortal get me to play guitar, it was
this feeling, so cold and impressive, that motivated me picking up an instrument. When I
startet doing vocals I often heard that its sound like Abbath, this pushed me
to find my own style – we are on the
right way, but like its often called: Thejourneyisyour
reward.

Nowadays
we are still listening the same music
then 10 years ago, the only matter is that it is good.

11.
Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in your music?

No, we are anti-religious, that contains every
religion, especially christianity.

12.
Outside of music what are some of your interests?

To name only
two: science and martialarts , but the
greatest part in my life belongs to metal.